A brilliant special spot. Cash only - but completely worth it to see the old time cash register in play. Beer and wine only with a fantastic juke box read more

La Carafe - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Best bar in Houston, Yellow Rose on tap and amazing ambience. Old historic building. Cash only

La Carafe has some history. Walk into this dimly-lit speakeasy located around the corner from Hearsay and you are walking in the oldest bar in Houston in the oldest building in Houston. You are given some matches with these facts upon your arrival. Like other speakeasy's, there are no lights just candles. There are several small tables, some seats at the bar, and a small patio. The ambiance transports you to the good old days. Beer and wine are the offerings here and it's cash only. The cash register is famous for its regality and it's a sight to see. While a speakeasy might not be everyone's cup of tea, it's an experience so I feel like everyone should check it out at least once! read more

Oldest building in Houston. Had a cold one. Lunch at hearsay's. Was very good. Was a fun time bar hopping

Cute bar downtown. Went on a Saturday night and it was empty. Lots of beer to choose from and a decent selection of wines too, prices are reasonable. Friendly service too! I originally came because it's said to be a "haunted bar", it's only haunted because it's rumored Sam houston spent a night here days before his death. On the plus side, it's in a historical building! Something from the 1840's I believe so it's a great piece of art to admire. The place is CASH ONLY which was a bummer at first but the old fashioned gold cash register makes it all worthwhile. Definitely a hit, was just disappointed by the haunted factor and finding safe parking nearby. I had to park down the street where a lot of homeless people were gathered. Saw a couple of fights and a restaurant ruin this hand made shelter of a homeless woman :/ read more

Oldest bar in Houston, or so they say. I believe it. It certainly looks old. It looks like something you would find in one of Paris' forgotten arrondissements. With that said, I kinda love it. It's aged well and is not a place you would go to act a fool. So the douche-bag factor is non-existent. I would love to hear about the history of this place. It's supposed to be haunted, no joke. They have an upstairs bar that is open on Fridays and Saturdays only. Cash only bar, so know that before walking in. Dark and candlelit and I think I smelled cigarette smoke while n there. Is that allowed in Houston? I guess it is. read more

Great spot, historical supposedly hunted place. I like the atmosphere and jukebox was fun. It's cash only and serves wine, bear and cider.

The oldest bar in Houston! It's a favorite for reasonably priced drinks and to take you back to a very different time in Houston. They only accept cash, so plan ahead! Although they do have an ATM. Grab a wine or a beer for a decent price, then hang out at one of the candlelit tables surrounded by old photos and art or go upstairs and sit on the upstairs patio and look out on downtown. Downstairs you can enjoy music from the old jukebox. They had some old jazz which was perfect for the occasion. read more

This is the bar where you take out of town guests. Sure there are regulars. But this is a destination for you to take folks to show of how cool and historic and funky Houston can be. The La Carafe building is listed on the National Register for Historic Places and is believed to be the oldest bar in Houston, and is the oldest commercial building still in use, in Houston. Built by developer Nathaniel Kellum in 1847, the La Carafe building has remained a two-story public venue since it's construction. Of course you can't go upstairs anymore. It's just not safe. Not so much because of the ghosts that live there but because it's...well, structurally not safe. Check out the ever growing candle behind the bar. They just keep stacking more candles on top until it topples on its own - or a spirit topples it. The cash register is over 100 years old and worth a Snapchat post. In fact be sure you have cash. They don't do debit cards. There is an ATM in the back by the bathrooms. And the bathrooms! The tiniest little things you ever tried to back into. Watch your step. They have beers and decent wine. You aren't coming here for an appletini or shot of jager. Get a full glass pour of the house wine. In fact you can get a bottle for a decent price. Big parties can just forget it. It's a small place with a few tables out front. read more

Just experienced a day with John at la carafe. He was super knowledgeable and eager to answer our endless questions about the amazing string of history that exists in this gem of Houston. The building is well kept and preserved by the owner to honor another time that most forget. It wasn't just going to bar and having a drink but a full immersion experience of what Houston was once upon a time. read more

I've been of drinking age for -- how long? -- and I've never been to La Carafe? Big fail, Farrah. Big fail. Thanks to a man friend of mine, I finally visited one of "Houston's oldest bar" for a quick and much needed nightcap. I really like the atmosphere here. It's dark and cavernous, complete with brick exposed walls, hundreds of old photographs, portraits and paintings, candlelight, melted wax and a wooden bar with patrons' names engraved. I'll soon work on mine, so be on the lookout. Like everyone else said, selection is to a minimum, and they're cash only; but with an ATM on site, it's not much of a hassle. And if you happen to get the munchies after downing a few glasses of Spanish wine, there's an assortment of fine bites (read: Cheetos, Doritos and Lays potato chips) up for sale. I only knocked off one star because my friend's wine tasted really old. He shoulda sent it back, but ... I think he just drank it. And, upstairs wasn't open, and that was something our curious minds wanted to check out. read more

It is really dark in there. That is the first thing that hits you. It is the kind of cave-like dark that I think people seek out when they want to make bad decisions and have a walk of shame at dawn. My first thought when walking in my first time was that it was a sketchy gay bar. Seeing a bunch of rich white Republicans really just solidified that initial thought. Unfortunately no good old boy Senators bought me a drink :( It turns out that it is just a very old building, one of the originals from back in ye olden days. Candle light is how they roll. They also do not accept credit cards. There are also a frustratingly large amount of couples in there at all times. The place caters to high-end white couples in their 40s from Memorial - if I had to peg their "appeal" to any specific group of people. There is a random assortment of "just friends" tables sometimes, but this has place has romantic couple night out written all over it. They have good music though. I pulled out my smartphone and loaded Shazam more than once to identify a song. The building has an incredible history (if you value that sort of thing.) Prices are good, variety of wine is good. Beer variety is nothing like the Flying Saucer but they are not trying to compete with them. The name of the bar alone should tell you why people come here - a carafe of wine, not a carafe of beer, as totally awesome as that sounds. You should not come here to sample beers of the world. They have Blue Moon and Shiner so that should be enough to keep you content unless you are like me. This place has really grown on me over time, especially as I toppled the Duke before me. Welcome to my royal hangout, come buy me a drink if you are a wealthy Republican senator that wants to make some bad decisions in a dark candlelit place. read more

So I came here on an audio tour of Houston. I found out a little about the history and I was intrigued. Recently when I was downtown exploring the nightlife I made sure it would be a stop. We came here on our last stop of bar hopping through downtown. This is strictly a wine and beer bar, no liquor. I can't drink beer anymore and not really a big fan of wine but they have a really nice Riesling that I could sip on. I enjoy this place because of the history. If you look at it from the outside it looks like it's literally being held up by the building next to it. It's "sitting sideways". The upstairs balcony provides a great view of downtown houston. If downtown wasn't so ghetto (hearing gunshots) I would come by here more often. read more

Being in La Carafe after the smoking ban was really different. You can tell the old walls in this bar are stained with nicotine - layers and years of smokers hanging out at the bar that's been there since 1953. The building is supposed to be the oldest in Houston still on its original site. It is really amazing and I love that it is preserved. It has the darkest and most claustrophobic bathroom I've ever seen but that just adds to its charm. I love the bar here, everything is all carved up and rubbed smooth with years of use. I could spend hours just reading the bar and drinking wine here. As for the ghost, I didn't see it myself but I would love to have more time to spend here and learn more about the history of the haunting. If a ghost needed a place to live, this place looks just right for it. The bartender at La Carafe was great and he was really kind enough to answer any of my questions. He was just as laid back and cool as the bar itself. La Carafe is a must see for anyone with a passion for Houston nightlife. read more

La Carafe - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

It's dark, there are an abundance of faded pieces of history on the wall, your wine glimmers in the candlelight and Ella is ripping your heart out through a semi scratchy jukebox. You are in La Carafe and it's going to be a great night. After a hellaciously hot day in Houston, I ate room service and then grabbed a taxi to LC on the recommendation of Kevin N. I chose the wine on the chalkboard and settled into a little table to observe. What I discovered is that this: people pick GREAT tunes on that box, the wine is inexpensive, it's cash only and no one will judge you for sitting alone and reading while having a glass of the grape. In other words, the perfect place to spend 30 minutes or 3 hours. read more

La Carafe - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

This is where the clean freak in me takes a back seat. You gotta love a place with history. If you look to the right of the buildings exterior, there is a pole there for reinforcement. They always seem to be doing some kind of work on the buildings exterior. I swear, this building is leaning! I've been visiting since 2003 and always thought the staff was pretty nice. They know the buildings history & gladly share how it started out as a bakery 200 years ago or something. I have even heard of a ghost sighting. Even if he was lying, it makes a fun story. Nothing is as scary as their upstairs patio. If that made them, I would own a tee that says "I stood on the balcony at La Carafe and survived!" It's very dark, musky, cramped, with steep stairs but this is what makes this place so charming and unique. If any of those bug you --- don't stand on the balcony. Their beer and wine list seems kind of limited considering it's beer & wine only. Before you go- know this bar is cash only. I hate that, but it is. Should you forget there's an ATM on the corner of congress, near Kim Son. read more

La Carafe - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Ambiance great, but have only been here twice and had problems both times with the bartenders. No WOMAN or patron should ever be treated this way, have considered a lawsuit. First time here was New Years 15'. All was good and they were raising money for charity so I pitched in $20. The bartender must of thought that was bc I liked him, so when he was done with his shift he proceeded to follow me to the next bar and continually was groping me no matter how many times I asked him to stop. I wanted to punch in the face, but was not trying to ruin the nite.....it was horrible. Second incident was even worse. Showed up late, ordered drinks, friend had to get cash, and the little man behind the bar with blue hair thought I said something snotty to him....he immediately grabbed a taser gun and came running after me...I ran out the bar, but he was determined to tase me, which he did approximately 7-8 times..... He had me on the ground in the middle of Main Street tasing near my heart.....who in the hell does that? I have bartended for over 20 years and never had the need to attack someone, much less when they are not even in the bar (was in the street after him chasing me). Will be contacting owners, this was unacceptable and dangerous and puts your patrons and bar at risk. Horrible. read more

My number one favorite bar of all time, any where, any time. Pictures really don't do it justice, and truthfully, nothing I say will either. You just have to get in there and check it out. Being inside of La Carafe made me feel like I was in an indie film. One about philosophy and literature, about love and art, about wine and friendship. It really is all those things. Beautiful jazz and blues were playing as I stood on the balcony looking out onto the skyline. I couldn't help but to see beauty in everything. I took pictures of the trees, of the lights on Hearsay, of the mirror on the wall outside, of the people walking by. I was mesmerized. The prices are wonderful. My husband and I split a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon for $30. We stayed up until closing when they finally had to close the outside patio doors. I probably would have stayed forever if they hadn't made me leave. In case you didn't get it...La Carafe = Best Bar Ever. read more

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Great little bar in the oldest building in Houston! If the second floor is open, be sure to grab a seat on the balcony. Cash only bar so bring cash. ATM inside. Great jukebox! Beer, wine, champagne only read more

La Carafe - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

On my weekend getaway to Houston, La Carafe was the first stop I made and I couldn't have picked a better place. My mother & I were staying downtown at the DoubleTree, so we took a stroll down to the nearby park (I can't remember the name of it) We saw a bunch of people who looked like locals sitting outside La Carafe, so we ducked in and were immediately happy with that decision. The ambiance was great, and on an obnoxiously bright, sweaty day all you want is to curl up in the corner of a dark, cool bar with a brew in hand. I ordered a cider, and my mom got a glass of house chardonnay. The tab cam back as $6.50 for the two of us. Needless to say, at those prices... we kept drinking. A lot. The bartender was incredibly friendly, as were the locals we ended up chatting with. I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in town read more

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Love the aesthetic of the La Carafe! It is a very tiny place , so we had to sit at the bar. It was very dark which gave it a Victorian vibe and matched the haunted history. There was a very limited drinking menu. My friends did not like the haunted history, extremely tight space nor the wine selection so unfortunately I was not able to try any of the food or wine. I will go back one day to give it a try! read more

La Carafe - Inside La Carafe - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Cash Only. So i did not have fun here. Last time an older gentleman made a joke at my order and this time the bartender lady acts remotely interested in taking our orders. She gave me a stink eye when i gave her $20 for both drinks...I was going to give her $25 but after attempted to get her attention like five times i gave up, left the cash and leave. This is a mellow ambiance, a juke box and a few old folks dancing ... younger people usually sit out side so they could smoke. read more

I've had this place bookmarked for eons and eons because of the positive reviews and historical significance. It's tucked away, unassuming, but upon initial glance, you'll surely agree to its claim as the oldest bar in Houston. It's a rather small venue and very dimly lit. Seems like a pretty apropos neighborhood bar. As mentioned by other Yelpers - beer, wine, and cash only. None of the extremely fancy stuff either, but fair pricing on everything. The tables are covered with boot seating upholstery - a bit annoying, because one abrupt knee jerk can disturb the table covers and spill your wine (although yes, I am probably clumsier than the normal person). The bartender was pretty attentive and cool about my wine slippage. There wasn't a whole lot going on during this Monday so he was quite on point about orders. As expected, the restrooms are one-ers and super cramped. There was a jukebox, but no one seemed keen on bothering with it. I think I do recall music being played softly - intimate conversation was more than feasible on this particular night. I think this place is pretty neat and wouldn't mind returning here should I desire someplace a little more low key. I'd characterize this place as "charming," for sure. I imagine this place could possibly get hectic on the weekends due to its close proximity to the rip roaring area of downtown. read more

There are a lot of great things to say about this place. The Building: Love the character it has. I'm sure if these walls could talk, they'd have some captivating stories to tell for sure! "The La Carafe building is listed on the National Register for Historic Places and is believed to be the oldest bar in Houston, and is the oldest commercial building still in use, in Houston. Built by developer Nathaniel Kellum in 1847, the La Carafe building has remained a two-story public venue since it's construction." The Mood: Romantic, Dark and Seedy, Reflective would all do well to describe this place. It's certainly one of a kind for downtown H-town. Wine & Service: Part two of why you come here. Our server was as distinctive as the building and let us sample of few bottles before purchasing a one. His persona was a mix of Austin and East Coast (two of my beloved places), but he was born and raised right here in H-town. Just goes to prove - you never really know. The wine we had was delectable and I would recommend this place to anyone. FYI - Cash only please! *but there is an ATM inside incase you're too advanced to carry that green stuff anymore ;) read more

So I have been here couple times due to this is the oldest building of Houston tx and one of the old erst bars in town as well. The interior was pretty classic. They only serve limited selection of wines and beers. But I do like this place. read more

Jon is awesome. darkest bar in the US. bring cash. wine and beer only but a great selection. cold, too. patrons friendly as heck - gave us loads of ideas for shopping and drinking. getting around ideas. read more

Cash only wine bar. Dirty bathrooms. I guess the building is ine of the oldest in the city it would be great if they kept it up a little better. I get the whole vibe but, it felt too run down. Suggestions- Cash only Moose Out read more

I had a good time with my friends, but the bartender was rude every time i went to get a drink. He was an older man and he Always said "Dont forget to tip your bartender" or "no tip" when handing the change back. All he was doing was opening beer and wine bottles. The younger man downstairs seemed nicer said hello every time i used the restroom. Would not return! read more

The oldest bar in Houston. It was a bakery in the 1800's. Juke box music, wine and beer only, no credit cards accepted; cash only. It's a very dark place that is great for conversation. Very casual. See you there! read more

La Carafe - The cash register. And it still works. Great nostalgic bar in downtown Houston. - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Hubby & I walked around the block during our stay at the Icon Hotel and found the opportunity to finally check out the Sam Houston era building! It is surreal to see the bricks as they were layed some 170 years ago. We sat at a cozy table for two and were in awe at the exposed brick in the wall. The fact that the structure still stands is a testament to the builders and that generation of first Houstonians. We thoroughly enjoyed the quaint, cozy warmth of the place. The beer was fine, the crowd nice and the ambience relaxed. I can't give it 5 full stars because the restroom facilities are not true to the 1840s building and so shouldn't be quite as creepy as they are. read more

Neat little bar. Cash only though! They do have an ATM machine on sight. We try to go every time we get downtown. read more

La Carafe - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

I had never tried any dive bars in the Houston area until recently. Keep in mind that this place is a drinking only bar, but it does have music playing in the background. You can also go and enjoy a night on the town, and come here afterward for a few drinks. However, no credit cards, but they do have an ATM if you need some cash. I had gone on a night before Christmas, and they did have some free food out on a table to celebrate. All the tips went to an organization for charity, and to me, that was a good cause around the holidays. The bartender here is really friendly and will recommend any of his favorites . I had an apricot beer that was sort of like a miller light with a bit more fruit flavor. There's other selections of course, and you'll be able to order mixed drinks upon request. I think next time I'll try a shot or something, or maybe a cocktail. There's also a couple of candles that have been going strong for a couple of years. They will just keep them lit till they fall to the floor. The tallest candle has been going on strong for two years, and the wax almost reaches to the ceiling. Another iconic item is their 109 year old cash register. This tells you this is one of the oldest bars in Houston and the oldest building in the city. It was built in the 1860s, and has been a good business for over a century. Come on down for a drink after you've had a good night out with friends, but keep in mind it's not a sports bar. Talk to some people, relax, and take an Uber if the downtown streets are busy. Have some fun read more

Amazing atmosphere, bring cash and talk to john the bartender! Plus they have karbach

Do not miss this piece of Houston history! La Carafe is believed to be the oldest bar in Houston - and it's housed in the oldest commercial building still in use in the city! Two story bar (with a super old, narrow staircase leading you to the upstairs) and a second floor balcony. Bars on both floors. Only serves beer and wine - and it's cash only! This place is and feels like a cool, interesting piece of Houston history. Don't miss it! read more

Great bar! Cash only. Located inside one of the oldest buildings in Houston the atmosphere here is a strong throwback. The music on the jukebox is perfect and you'll find a pretty extensive wine list. I went for the candles and the coolest cash register. Bartenders are amazing and friendly. read more

La Carafe - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

La Carafe gets 5 Stars just for being the Oldest Bar in Houston. With its collectic charm boosts hundred of old photographs, original fixtures and the feel of a true watering hole. You will see more Locals than Tourist, but this is a real tourist GEM! This is the place to get "Two Sheets To The Wind." Beer and Wine list is decent. Jukebox is loaded with "The Classic". They have two floors with Bars and tables on each. Second floor bar has an amazing balcony with one of the best views of downtown including a "911" Memorial Park across the street that deserves a look. Also from the second floor you will see horse drawn carriages driving by, Bicyclers cruising through and a ton of dogs passing by on their way to the Doggie Park. Bar Environment: decor - Traditionally (Traditionally Old), True Collectic seating - tables, bar stools, 2nd floor outside patio with tables lighting - Dim to Dark (Flashlight could be useful) cleanliness - DNK, target customers - Locals, Trendies, Students, Tourist Server: name - DNK appearance - Prepster demeanor - Friendly accuracy of order - NAP Menu: DNK DNK - Do Not Know NAP - Not A Problem read more

La Carafe - View of Downtown Houston from the second floor Patio. - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Not exactly what I expected as far as size, but it was really cool. They had been closed for a while due to Covid 19 and was pleasantly surprised to see they were open. Had wanted to visit this houston landmark and finally got the chance. I was not disappointed. Great place to stop and have a drink. Oh, and the juke box has some serious stuff to offer. read more

So many memories with this place. My husband and I frequented La Carafe while we were dating back in 1974-1975. It was his favorite place - not only the Reunite but the History. We were both very excited knowing that Robert E. Lee was rumored to have spent the night there. Buddy has passed on now but I can still feel the memories - walking into La Carafe with him and knowing we were in a very special place in history. read more

Wife and I stopped in after looking for places that were open on Christmas day night a few years ago. They were running cash-only bartenders choice and we really enjoyed everything we had. The crowd was cool and the ambiance not like anything we had seen in Houston, reminding us much much more of a french-quarter-type bar. Dimly lit, tight spaces, but super cozy and a little creepy, which was cool. I haven't been back, but if you're looking for a holiday haunt when everything else is closed, try La Carafe. read more

This is the ultimate neighborhood cash bar in THE OLDEST building still on its original foundation in Houston. Don't expect much from this more than 150 year old structure except that it is old. That is what enamored us about it but it might be a turn off for you. One bar, one bartender and CASH ONLY. We thought it was a delight. There is an upstairs bar on the weekend but we didn't see it. If you are into old, historic and an episode piece, slide into here and have a beer. We loved it. read more